September 28, 2024
If you're struggling with an underbite, you're probably wondering, "Can braces fix underbite?" An underbite can affect both the function of your teeth and the appearance of your jaw, causing discomfort and concerns about your smile. Many people turn to braces as a solution, but is it really the right choice for this issue? Whether you've had an underbite since childhood or it's developed later in life, understanding if braces can help is crucial.Â
Let's find out if braces can fix your underbite and enhance your smile.
An underbite occurs when your lower teeth extend beyond the upper teeth when the mouth is closed, causing a misalignment of the jaw. This condition, also known as Class III malocclusion, creates a noticeable shift in how the teeth meet and can impact dental function and facial appearance.
Family history often plays a significant role in the development of an underbite. If one or both parents have an underbite, there's a higher chance the child will develop it as well due to inherited jaw structure.
Prolonged thumb-sucking, bottle-feeding, or use of pacifier beyond infancy affects the alignment of the teeth and jaw and thus contributes to an underbite.
When the tongue pushes against the lower teeth during swallowing or speaking, the lower jaw can move forward, leading to an underbite.
Uneven or improper growth of the upper or lower jaw during childhood can result in a misaligned bite, where the lower jaw becomes more prominent.
Severe injury to the jaw or face can shift the alignment of the jaw, resulting in an underbite, especially if it heals improperly.
Braces put gentle pressure to the teeth and shift them into the correct position. The treatment focuses on moving the lower teeth back or the upper teeth forward, depending on the severity of the condition. After some time, this realignment corrects the bite, and improves the function and appearance of your teeth.
The movement happens in small increments, and adjustments are made regularly by an orthodontist to ensure the teeth are progressing toward the ideal alignment. This process can take anywhere from several months to a couple of years, depending on the complexity of the case.
You must be wondering, Are Braces Effective for Severe Underbites? Braces are effective for mild to moderate underbites. In these cases, braces move the teeth into the correct position, fix the alignment, and improve the bite over time.
Sometimes, braces alone can provide a successful solution for most people with mild or moderate underbites. When it comes to severe underbites, braces alone may not be enough. Severe cases often involve not just the teeth but also the jawbone itself. In such cases, jaw surgery and braces may be required. The surgery helps to reposition the jaw, while braces are used to move the teeth into proper alignment afterward.
Braces can fix an underbite in adults, but the treatment might take longer and may require additional procedures. Since an adult's jaw is fully developed, fixing the alignment might be more challenging than for children or teens.
For adults, treatment may differ in these ways:
Correcting an underbite with braces offers several health and aesthetic benefits beyond just straightening teeth.
Braces provide an effective solution for correcting underbites, whether mild or severe. It moves the teeth into proper alignment and improves both the function and appearance of your bite.Â
Ready to explore how braces can correct your underbite? Request an appointment online today! New patients can call us at (407) 809-8973, while all other callers can call us at (407) 542-4580. Visit us at Innovative Dental and Orthodontics, 1884 County Road 419 #1010, Oviedo, FL 32765, and take the first step toward a healthier, more confident smile!
